Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Overview

What is post-traumatic stress disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety problem. It can develop after your safety or life has been threatened, or after you experience or see a traumatic event. Some examples of traumatic events are a natural disaster, rape, severe car crash or fighting in a war. Usually, the event makes you feel very afraid or helpless. People with PTSD have trouble coping with and recovering from traumatic events and often feel the effects for months or even years afterwards.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

You can have symptoms right after the trauma or they can develop months, or even years, later. Your symptoms may include:

Having flashbacks, nightmares, bad memories or hallucinations

Trying not to think about the trauma or avoiding people who remind you of it

Not being able to recall parts of the event

Not interested in life events

Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others

Having trouble sleeping

Being irritable, angry or jumpy

Being hypervigilant

People with PTSD are often depressed. Sometimes they try to feel better by using alcohol or drugs. This can lead to substance abuse and addiction.

Causes & Risk Factors

Who develops PTSD?

Whether you'll develop PTSD may depend partly on how severe and intense the trauma was and how long it lasted. Powerful fear-related memories of the event seem to be a major part of PTSD. People who have anxiety, depression or other mental disorders are more likely to develop PTSD. People who have been victims of previous trauma are also at greater risk.

Who is at risk for developing PTSD?

The following people may be at risk for PTSD:

Soldiers, prisoners of war, veterans or victims of war or combat

Survivors of rape, domestic violence, physical assault such as a mugging or any other random act of violence

Survivors of unexpected events such as car wrecks, fires or terrorist attacks

Anyone who has responded to traumatic events such as firefighters, police or rescue workers

Anyone who has been victimized

Anyone who has seen a violent act

Survivors of natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes

Anyone who has been sexually or physically abused

Anyone diagnosed with a life-threatening illness or those who have had surgery

Anyone who has experienced grief such as the unexpected loss of a loved one

Diagnosis & Tests

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose PTSD by talking with you about your symptoms and experiences.

Treatment

How is PTSD treated?

There are many treatments available. Learning about PTSD and talking to a mental health professional who is trained in treating PTSD can help. Support from family and friends is also an important part of treatment. Medicines for depression or anxiety may also be helpful. PTSD can lead to depression and substance abuse. These problems should be treated before or during PTSD treatment.

How long does PTSD last?

PTSD can be treated successfully. However, without treatment, it can last several months to many years, depending on what happened to you and how you feel about it.

What can I do to help myself recover?

Learn more about PTSD, and work with your doctor or therapist to get better.

Check your local phone directory or online for support groups in your area.